McKinley Wright of Dubai spoke to the media ahead of the Round 5 ABA League Top 8 game, in which his team will play on the road against Crvena Zvezda.
Dubai suffered two defeats last week in the EuroLeague – against Panathinaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv – and in that way are now far from any chance of making the play-in. This means their absolute focus for the rest of the season will be on winning the ABA League title.
Their first goal will be to secure first place at the end of the Top 8 phase, which would guarantee them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Claim Now This will be Dubai’s fourth game against Crvena Zvezda this season, and so far they have won twice. Interestingly, McKinley Wright traditionally performs very well against the Red-Whites and even had impressive games against Crvena Zvezda while playing for Buducnost, but he emphasizes that there is no special personal motive.
“I wouldn’t say there’s anything special, but it’s definitely a big game for us and a great opportunity. I’ve been playing against Crvena Zvezda for three years, and we’ve met often, so I know what to expect, I’m familiar with the atmosphere, and aware of how motivated they will be to beat us. I don’t know if they have anything against me, I don’t think so, but an interesting game awaits,” Wright told Meridian Sport.
He had only praise for Codi Miller-McIntyre and Jared Butler, two very important players for Crvena Zvezda.
“Two very talented guys, I have enormous respect for both. I’ve been playing against Codi for years, and I’ve seen Jared during the summer. We worked with the same coach in Dallas, so I know what kind of player he is and what he can do on the court. I’m looking forward to facing them.”
Wright is playing really well in the EuroLeague during his debut season in the competition and emphasizes that he has always believed in himself.
“I always knew I belonged at the highest level, and it was just a matter of time before I could show it. I had injury issues after the NBA, so I had to prove myself in the EuroCup and ABA League, but I always knew this is where I belong and that I am one of the best point guards in the EuroLeague – in my eyes, the best. I will continue to prove myself.”
It’s clear that Dubai will need to bounce back after consecutive EuroLeague losses.
“We have to stick together. Sometimes results aren’t what we want, because we wanted to win both games, but you have to move forward. After all, this is basketball, a game we all love from a young age, and we have to give our all. When things aren’t going well, you have to accept it. We continue to stick together, keep training, and keep fighting, and when that happens, anything is possible.”
Finally, he commented on his teammates – Nemanja Dangubic, Aleksa Avramovic, and Filip Petrusev.
“Great guys, important for the team. They showed me what it’s like here, especially for me since I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. It’s a big deal to have such guys; we have an excellent relationship. So far they’ve been great and helped us feel at home.”
The game between Crvena Zvezda and Dubai will tip off at 19:00 in Belgrade.
INTERVIEW – Pedro Martinez: Obradovic? Maybe expectations were too high; De Larrea has a winning mentality
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 27, 2026
Also about contract extension, Sergio De Larrea’s clutch moment, learning from Tuomas Iisalo and Jordi Fernandez…
✍️ @vuk_milos_
Full:https://t.co/3N0fN62RaZ
